Staying in Newport
Places to stay
Here are some of our favorite hotels in the Newport area – if you’re looking for ease of getting around, we recommend staying closer to the ceremony and/or having a car for your stay.
Newport Marriott [HOTEL BLOCK]
$$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 0.6 miles
Why we like it: The Marriott is an easy choice – it’s close to all things on Thames Street + hotel points.
The Pell
$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 4.2 miles
Why we like it: The Pell is not in Newport, but it’s a really nice (and cheaper) stay just a 10min Uber drive away from downtown and the beaches.
Hotel Viking
$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 0.5 miles
Why we like it: An old staple dating back to the 1920s, Hotel Viking feels tucked away while still being a short walk downtown.
Hammetts Hotel
$$$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 0.2 miles
Why we like it: It’s a stone’s throw away from our favorite restaurants (Midtown Oyster Bar, The Mooring, and Giusto) + it’s the closest to the church!
The Wyndham
$$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 2.1 miles
Why we like it: Similar to the Atlantic Beach Hotel, it’s not far from First Beach and it’s even closer to Diego’s, a great spot for tacos and Mexican style food.
The Newport Harbor Hotel
$$$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 0.4 miles
Why we like it: It’s right in the center of everything, you’ll be close to all the fun that Newport has to offer.
The Vanderbilt
$$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 0.3 miles
Why we like it: The Vanderbilt offers an old antique charm that many associate with Newport, plus the garden/courtyard is so quaint and relaxing.
The Atlantic Beach Hotel
$$$ | View on map
Distance from Ceremony: 1.6 miles
Why we like it: It’s right across the street from First Beach, which is a great spot and it’s also walking distance from the Cliff Walk.
Airbnb
Airbnbs are some of the best (and often cheaper) ways to stay in and around Newport. We’ve compiled a list of several options for you here, but reach out if you need help!
Getting around
Flying to Rhode Island
For those not located within driving distance, the best way to get to Newport would be flying into Providence T.F. Green Airport. From there it is a 45m drive, or you can take the RIPTA bus (though it’s not the most clean or reliable bus transportation). Boston is about an hour and 15m from Newport, which is a good option as well if you plan to rent a car.
Rental Cars
There are plenty of rental car options across Providence and near Newport – as previously mentioned, we recommend trying to get here with access to a car to get the most out of your stay.
Ubers & Lyfts
Though not as plentiful as other areas and major cities like Boston, we do have Uber and Lyft just like everyone else! It’s likely going to be a busier weekend since most people come to Newport after Memorial Day, so plan accordingly for longer wait times.
Taxis & Cabs
We’re less familiar with traditional taxi and cab companies, but this seems to be an up-to-date list of taxi options if you want to go that route getting around.
By Foot
If you’re staking in the main downtown area, Newport is very walkable, and enjoyable to explore by foot. Most of the hotels and Airbnb’s that we listed above are within walking distance to the ceremony location.
Things to do
Scooters & Bikes
Rent a scooter or bike to explore downtown Newport, Bellevue Avenue and all along Ocean Drive for the best scenery. The mini go carts are super fun, too!
Cliff Walk
The cliff walk is a beautiful 3.5 mile long walk along the cliffs with the Atlantic on one side and the mansion backyards on the other.
Newport Vineyards Tour
Head to Newport Vineyards to sit among the vines and tour the winery – their rosé won an award last year, one of Amanda’s favorites!
Shopping on Thames
What more is there to say! There are plenty of fun shops along both upper and lower Thames street, and at the end of Bowen’s Wharf. Treat yourself!
Norman Bird Sanctuary
If you especially love the outdoors and going on long walks, we recommend exploring the Norman Bird Sanctuary, which has a museum on Third Beach Road and over 300 acres of nature to explore.
Trolley Tours
Hop on a trolley to get a narrated tour around Boston – these are the quintessential, quaint rides you’ll see all over as you drive through Newport with open windows.
Newport Mansions on Bellevue
Walking down Bellevue Avenue (a 2 mile long road) connects downtown Newport to Ocean Drive, where you can walk by and tour the historic mansions of Newport.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is several miles long, so you’d likely want to drive rather than bike there, but the scenery is BEYOND worth it.
Second Beach (and First)
Everyone knows Second Beach is better than First, but they’re both beautiful beaches – the best ones that Newport has to offer.
Horseback Riding on Third Beach
There are a few options here, but the one we recommend is through Newport Equestrian Academy, which will take you on horses to walk to and from Third Beach, which goes right by the Norman Bird Sanctuary too.